jumped compressor with a "test cord"
compressor works fine... jumped with and without ptc and overload
connected no issues either way

can substitute momentary switch for cap in fridge circuit and she
starts right up if I press the button for a second

assumed cap was bad, so I found a 12.5 uf 370v replacement, does
exact same thing and
will not run , by the way on start-up with either the original cap or
the replacement cap voltage holds at 3.5-4.5 on the start circuit
between cap and start lug until the overload kicks, all wiring has
been tested and jumpers installed to bypass with no luck

then installed 35uf 370v cap, on the first try nothing happened till
overload kicked, circuit was at about 8 v,prior to overload cutout,
when overload kicked back in voltage slowly (3-5 seconds) rose to
about 28-30v and compressor started but the sound was off as the uf
was causing the motor to have a dead spot

also tried a run cap of 59-71uf 240v and it fired right up

now the odd part that I really don't understand and maybe a future
edition of a newsletter for us curious ones, the voltage on the start
circuit, after the unit runs and stabilizes for 10-30 seconds:
for the original cap and the 12.5 replacement the voltage levels off at 83v
for the 35uf cap it levels off at 74v
for the 59-71uf start cap it leveled off at 98-105v

I assumed that it should run an full voltage of 120-130v like the run line,
or the ptc should disconnect it fully and it would recharge to full voltage
my question is what voltage should it run at? and why?

also have ruled out low line voltage as well
any help or additional "training" you could provide will be greatly appreciated
Thanks Again,
Chuck

Since it is a running capacitor, it should have no bearing on the starting of the compressor - it's purpose is to "phase" the start winding after it is running to reduce the power factor and consumption rate. The compressor should start and run with that cap disconnected, or you have an issue with the relay (ptc) or the compressor itself.